“I mentioned Mrs.Brisbane to him, but when he displayed a disconcerting interest, I allowed no more conversation about her or Nora.”
“You should have come to me.I know everyone who’s been in the business for the last forty years.”He massaged his forehead before speaking again.“Did Adler leave with the company on Saturday?”
“I didn’t follow him to the train, but he did leave with the company’s baggage wagon.”
“What about his sister?Did she leave?”
“Sister?”
“Yes.His sister was in the chorus, an older woman.”
Older woman.Mrs.Reed?Was she Adler’s sister?They were both from England.“How do you know—”
“I told you, I know everyone in the business.”
An unsettled feeling twisted Ezekiel’s gut.If Adler and Mrs.Reed were siblings, did they share the same interest in Nora and Mrs.Davis?It would explain Mrs.Reed’s generous invitation.
“If the sister was Mrs.Reed, she is still in town.She offered to give Nora free singing lessons.”
“She what?”Graham’s voice was oddly strained as he continued.“Nora shouldn’t take lessons from a chorus woman, especially that one.Free or otherwise.”
Graham’s insistence only fed Ezekiel’s growing apprehension.Had Alder employed his sister to get close to Nora when Ezekiel had effectively obstructed his attempts?
Graham stepped around a bit of debris, then changed the subject.“How close have you become to Nora?”
“We’re courting, and I have every intention of marrying her if she’ll have me.”
Graham’s brows disappeared beneath his shaggy hairline.“And her father allowed it?”
Ezekiel focused on the cracked and uneven sidewalk.It probably didn’t show him in the best of light, but in fairness, everything had happened so quickly.“He doesn’t even know I exist.I take it by your reaction you know the Davises?”
“Knew them.For your sake and hers, call it off and seek a different woman.”
“I don’t want a different woman, and I’m not ending things.I want what’s best for Nora.You can call me arrogant, but I think I’m part of that.”No man, not even Graham, would keep Ezekiel from pursuing a future with her.“What do you know that you’re not telling me?”
“I care for her and her family even more than you do.”Graham stopped walking and took Ezekiel by the shoulders.“You’re a good man, and she’d be blessed to have you,ifyour connections to the opera didn’t put her and her family at risk.But they do.Let her go.”
“No.Tell me where the danger is coming from so I can protect her.”
“Youarethe danger, Ezekiel.Break it off and discourage her from the stage.It’s the best way to keep her safe.”
“Safe from what?”
Graham straightened.“Her mother’s past.”
“Who is she, Graham?Is she Constanza Brisbane?Or is she—” What was the latest name she’d claimed?
“Maybe one day I can give you answers, but not today.Do theright thing.Let her go.”Graham strode away but spun and walked backward a few steps.“And get that operetta composed.”He disappeared around the corner.
Whatever past Graham hinted at, Nora must know about it.It would explain her initial reluctance to form an acquaintance with Ezekiel.If Ezekiel questioned her, would she trust him enough now to speak of it?He wouldn’t give up, no matter what Graham said.Ezekiel and Nora would continue to work on the opera, but he’d discourage her from singing lessons with Mrs.Reed, all while he pursued answers to this mysterious and dangerous past.
“I can’t believe you think you were attacked on Saturday and you’re just now telling us on Thursday.”Flossie unhooked the leash from Harold, and he bounded straight to Nora’s basket, where he was accustomed to finding yarn balls to unwind.Hopefully he’d be disappointed by its emptiness and take a nap.
“Abraham and I were evenhereon Sunday.”Lydia paced the length of the wall, proof of how frustrated she was.“Any evidence of someone sneaking around outside your windows or doors is long gone by now.”
Nora winced.“You didn’t tell Abraham before coming here, did you?”
Lydia stopped and glared at her.“You asked me not to in your note, so I didn’t.But I still think it’s a mistake.”
